Basement Alteration Resource Guide

If you plan to remodel your basement, a permit is required. If you have hired a contractor(s) to perform the work, they must obtain a Contractor's Business License with the village before issuance of the permit.

If you have any questions, contact the Permitting Division of the Community Development Department at 847.923.4420.

Required Inspections:

Inspections can be scheduled up to 4pm the business day prior to the requested inspection date by contacting the Permitting Division of the Community Development Department at 847.923.4420.

Code Requirements:

Building permits are required for a finish basement when any walls are being built, moved or altered and/or a change of use in the proposed area (including: hanging gypsum board on walls and /or ceiling). Permits are required if any electrical, HVAC, plumbing or gas piping is being performed. A basement shall meet the requirements of the 2011 NEC, current IRC and IPC, and the current Illinois plumbing code.

Basements with habitable space and every sleeping room shall have at least one emergency escape and rescue opening with a sill height of not more than 44” above the floor and shall provide not less than 5.7 square feet (clear opening).

Smoke alarms shall be located in each sleeping room, outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all the alarms. Smoke alarms shall also be hardwired and have battery backup. Smoke alarms in existing areas may have solely be battery operated when the alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure unless there is a crawlspace or basement available which could provide access for hardwiring and interconnection without removal of interior finishes.

Mechanical exhaust is required in bathrooms without windows.

Pressure treated wood sill plates must be used when contact with concrete or masonry.

Minimum ceiling height is 7’. Beams and girders spaced not less than 4’ on center may project not more than 6” below the required ceiling height.

Enclosed accessible space under stairs shall have walls, under stair surface and any soffits protected on the enclosed side with ½” gypsum board.

Exterior wall minimum insulation value R-11-15/19.

Gas fired appliances shall be supplied with combustion air ,indoor combustion air requires an opening high and low 1 square inch per 1000BTU/hr rating combined for all the appliances in the space .Outdoor combustion air may be required.